Ionization apparatus

ABSTRACT

An ion-cell having an elongated hollow body having an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other for the passage of a stream of compressed air therethrough, a wall located downstream of the inlet having a central opening therein, a conductive sleeve or lining secured in the central opening, an electrode member supported in the body between the inlet and wall member, and means for inducing an ion field between the electrode and the conductive sleeve to saturate the gas stream.

[50] FieldofSearch 317/3,4,

United States Patent 5 m1 3,61 1,030

[72] Inventor William C.Herbert,,1r. 2,302,289 11/1942 Bramston-Cook317/3 MillNeelt,N.Y. 3,156,847 11/1964 Schweriner 317/4 [21] Appl. No.862,814 3,308,343 3/1967 Smith et al.......... 317/4 [22] Filed Oct. 1,1969 3,308,344 3/1967 Smith et al 317/4 [45] Patented Oct. 5, 19713,317,790 5/1967 Whitby 317/2 [73] Assignee Herbert Products, Inc-3,320,l51 5/1967 Tepe et a1. 204/313 Westbury,N.Y. 2,659,841 11/1953Hampe 317/3 2,765,975 10/1956 Lindenblad 317/3 3,179,849 4/1965Schweriner... 317/3 [541 IQNIZATION T Q 3,396,308 8/1968 Whitmore 317/410 Claims, 5 Drawmg Figs.

Primary ExnminerD. X. Sliney 52 us. Cl 3 1371/3245 ASH-mm Examinerulysses Weldon 51 Int. Cl 1105b 3 00 Mamas-Jerome Bauer and Myron Amer262; 204/3l8,320, 179,313;260/694 ABSTRACT: An ion-cell having anelongated hollow body having an inlet at one end and an outlet at theother for the [56] Rderences Cited passage of a stream of compressed airtherethrough, a wall UNITED STATES PATENTS located downstream of theinlet having a central opening 254,424 2/1882 Yost 204/318 therein, aconductive sleeve or lining secured in the central 204/320 opening, anelectrode member supported in the body between 204/179 the inlet andwall member, and means for inducing an ion field 260/694 between theelectrode and the conductive sleeve to saturate 317/4 the gas stream.

PATENTEU 0m 51971 INVENTOR WILLIAM C. HERBERT JR. %44.6 a

AT TORNE Y IONIZATION APPARATUS The present invention relates toapparatus for ionizing a stream of gaseous media and in particular to anionizing cell for electrically charging a presured stream of gas.

Compressed air or pressurized streams of special gases are employed inmany capacities. For example, streams of air are used to clean smallparticulate matter from machine parts, or molded pieces preparatory topainting or further treatment; to remove dust or other minuteparticulate matter from food containers, such as milk bottles, jarsetc., before they are filled, and, to electrically neutralize workpieces which for some reason become statically charged with electricity,as for example reams of cut paper being fed to printing presses. Theseare only three of the many uses to which ionized gas streams can be put,however they are illustrative of the variety, complexity and importanceof this technique and the apparatus to accomplish the desiredend.

In general the apparatus employed comprises means for passing thecompressed gas through an ionized or electrically charged field whereinthe stream of gas absorbs or picks up the ion particles which it thencarries to the work piece. It is essential that such apparatus beportable, efficient, safe and easily usable since to be otherwise wouldnegate their value.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ionizing cellwherein a stream of gas may be electrically charged.

It is an object of this invention to provide a portable easily handledion-cell device. It is a further object to provide an ioncell which isefficient in operation utilizing to a maximum extent the power impactrequired for its operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an ion-cellfor ionizing a stream of gas consistently and uniformly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an ion-cellin which the direction of flow of the air stream is controlled andaccurately maintained.

It is further an object of this invention to provide an ion-cell whichsimultaneous with the ionization of the gas reduces the relativemoisture content thereof.

It is still a further and specific object of this invention to provide asimple, economical ion-cell readily usable in present processes withoutthe need for major modification and change in other associatedapparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION According to the present invention anion-cell is provided comprising an elongated hollow body having an inletat one end and an outlet at the other for the passage of a stream ofcompressed air therethrough, a wall located downstream of the inlethaving a central opening therein, a conductive sleeve or lining securedin the central opening, an electrode member supported in the bodybetween the inlet and wall member, and means for inducing an ion fieldbetween the electrode and the conductive sleeve to saturate the gasstream.

In the preferred embodiment a second member similar to the electrode isalso provided between the sleeve and the outlet end for transmitting theion field to that end.

In still another embodiment the body is provided with a plurality ofventuri orifices surrounding the inlet, whereby dry air is sucked intothe body to reduce the moisture of the gas stream.

The aforementioned objects and others, together with a detaileddescription of the present invention will be seen from the followingdescription and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of the cellof the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cell taken along the line22 of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an end view of the cell shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the cell taken along line 4-4of FIG. I, and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4 taken along line5-5 ofFIG. l.

Turning now to the drawings the present device in its preferred formcomprises a cylindrical hollow body 10, of insulating nonconductivematerial through which a gas, such as air, is adapted to flow in thedirection of the arrow A. The body which may be rectangular or of otherelongated configuration is closed at its upstream and downstream ends bywasherlike caps 12 and 14 respectively of similar nonconductivematerials. Each cap 12 and 14 is provided with a cylindricalmetallicconductive nipple 16 and 18 respectively. The

nipples l6 and 18 are coaxially secured along the central axis x-x ofthe body 10, by conventional removable nut and flange fittings and areprovided with threaded exterior ends by which connection may be made toa suitable hose or conduit (not shown). In the embodiment depicted thedownstream nipple 18, provided with an outlet nozzle 20, easilyfunctions as the terminus of an ion-gun, while the upstream nipple l6,providedmerely with exposed threads 22, functions as an inlet for highlypressurized gas and may be connected to a source thereof (not shown) inconventional manner.

Mounted within the body 10 near its longitudinal center thereof butoffset toward the upstream end 16, is a circular wall 24 (FIG. 5) whichhas a central opening in which is secured a ringlike sleeve 26 ofmetallic conductive material. Located longitudinally to either side ofthe concentric wall 24 and sleeve 26 and the upstream and downstreamends are nonconductive spacers 28 and 30 respectively. The spacers 28and 30, as seen in FIG. 4, have an X-like outer configuration and aresituated so as to be located in a common plane normal to thelongitudinal axis x-x. Secured within the center of the upstream spacers28 along the axis x-x of the body 10 is a highly conductive elongatedelectrode member 32, of generally circular needlelike configurationwhich is provided with a sharply pointed taper at each end. Theconductive electrode 32 is of substantial length, the rearrnost endextending at least in part within the area of the interior of theupstream nipple 16 and within the area of the interior of the conductivesleeve 26. A similar member 34 to the electrode 32 is supported on theupstream side of the wall 24 between it and the outlet end extendingfrom within the area of the conductive sleeve 26 to a point just shortof the area of the downstream nipple 18.

Extending radially within the body 10, though the upstream spacer 28 andinto contact with the electrode 32 is a conductive lead 36. The lead 36is adapted to beconneeted to one terminal of a source of high-voltagecurrent (not shown). Extending longitudinally from the upstream nipple16, to which it is electrically connected, through the spacers 28 and 30and the wall 24 into contact with the downstream nipple I8 is a secondconductive lead 38. The lead 38 is provided with a branch 40 whichconnects it to the metallic sleeve 26 so that this sleeve 26 becomesgrounded to both the forward and rear nipples l6 and 18. The nipples l6and 18 are themselves individually or jointly connected to the secondtenninal (not shown) of source of voltage, although it is preferablethat they merely be grounded in conventional and well-known manner.

Finally the present device is provided with a plurality of spacedtapered holes 42 extending inwardly of the body 10 at about a 45 anglealong the circumferential edge of the rear cap 12. Each of the holes 42are wider at the outside of the body 10 than they are at the inside,thus providing a series of radial venturi orifices adjacent the upstreamor inlet end of the device. For convenience of illustration, theorifices 42 have been shown located on the corner of the body 10. Inpractice, it has been that they could also be on inlet nipple I6 whichforms a part of the body structure.

In practice, it is preferable that the nonconductive members such as thebody 10, the caps 12 and I4 and the spacers 28 and 30 be made of plasticmaterial such as polyvinylchloride. Similar material affording theability to unitarily construct the cell may be used. The conductivemetallic nipples l6 and I8 fittings and sleeve 26 are preferably formedof brass or other cuprous material. The electrode needle 32 and itscompanion transmitting needle 34 are best made of stainless steel, bothfor conductivity and durability. The leads 36 and 38 may be copper wireof high-voltage capacity. The relative dimensions of the various partsare preferable, as indicated, but all are not critical and some may bemodified as required by the application proposed.

Operatively, from a pneumatic standpoint, gas is introduced into theinlet at a pressure anywhere upwards to 200 p.s.i. The gas flows aboutthe first spacer 28, through the sleeve 26, about the second spacer 30and out the forward nozzle 20 into and onto the workpiece to be cleaned,ionized or otherwise treated. Because of the cylindrical form of thebody 10, the alignment of the spacers 28 and 30 and the coaxiallyalignment of the nipples l6 and 18, and the concentric rings 24 and 26little if any turbulence occurs to impede or divert the flow of gas.

Electrically, on application of a current of high-voltage intensity (forexample at 15,000 v.) to the electrode pin 32, arcing is induced betweenits edges and the internal surfaces of the inlet nipple l6 and of thebrass sleeve 26. Due to the taper of the electrode pin 32 and the sleevelike configuration of the nipple l6 and the sleeve 26, the arcingproduces a corona field of 360 substantially saturating their interiorswith an extreme-, ly high amount of ion particles. The amount ofsaturation within the nipple 16 is relatively small compared with thatinduced within the ring 26 because of the forward movement of the gasstream and because the outlet nipple and secondary or transmittingneedle 34, etc., are located forwardly thereof.

The ion particles are generally converged and directed on to thesecondary needle 34. Because of the taper and'configuration of theneedle 34, it acts in much thesame manner as a radio antenna andtransmits the ion field downstream toward the outlet. The velocity ofair forced through the cell body 10 also forces the ion field to move inthis direction.

The corona created by the arcing contains a balance of both positive andnegative ions which, when the gas is simultaneously supplied, imparts tothe gas a balanced electrical composition. The charged gas is directedoutwardly of the nozzle 20. The grounding of the outlet noule insuresdirectional control to the flow'of ionized gas since, a partial electricdriving force is maintained, acting like a magnet to draw the chargedgas and by preventing the absorption of the ions by the conductivenipple and nozzle. Because of the two 360 coronas created within thering 26 and the nipple 18, the gas is itself uniformly saturated withions. There are no blank spaces or un-ionized gas pockets. As a resultthe effluent gas is uniformly and consistently ionized.

The flow of gas, under pressure through the body 10 creates a partialvacuum adjacent the rear end and about the inner ends of the orifices 42which consequently causes the sucking of ambient air through theorifices 42 into the body. Because of the taper of the orifices 42 whichcreate a venturi effect, the inrushing air is stripped of its moisturewhich collects on the lip or outer edge of the orifices. As a result theincoming atmospheric air is substantially dry and when it mixes with thegas reduces by a considerable extent the relative moisture contentthereof. It is well known that gases under high pressure contain minutedroplets of water or free moisture, which are released on the expansionof the gas into the atmosphere, as would occur in the operation of thisor similar devices. However, because of the provision of the radialventuri orifrees the present device drastically reduces the moisturecontent of the gas and overcomes this problem.

It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that the foregoingdescription of the preferred embodiment of the present inventionillustrates an improved ionized gas producing device capable ofproducing large quantities of uniformly charged gases in a consistentinexpensive and simple manner. The device may be used to treat air orspecial gases for particular use and is limited only in application bythe volume ofgas and the rate at which it is passed relative to thecurrent and voltage impressed.

Since a number of modifications and changes have been alluded to hereinit is to be understood that the preferred embodiment is shown by way ofillustration onl and that scope of the present invention IS to belimited only y the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed:

1. Apparatus for the ionization of a gas stream comprising an elongatedhollow body having a conductive inlet part at one end and an outlet partat the other end along a common longitudinal axis, a wall in said bodylocated downstream of said inlet part and upstream of said outlet, saidwall having a conductive sleeve defining a central opening therein, afirst elongated electrode member supported along the common longitudinalaxis and spaced between said inlet part and said wall sleeve, means forconnecting said electrode and the sleeve to a source of voltage tothereby induce electrical 360 arcing between said electrode and inletpart and said electrode and said sleeve to produce corona fields of ionparticles therebetween, and said inlet being adapted for connection to asource of gas under pressure whereby said gas may be caused to flow fromsaid inlet to said outlet through said fields of ion particles becomingcharged thereby with a balanced composition of positive and negativeions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said body is cylindricaland said parts, wall and electrode are coaxially located therein.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrode extendswithin the interior of said inlet and said conductive sleeve. 7

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the wall opening is ofsubstantially smaller diameter than the diameter of the body to therebyconstrict the passage therethrough.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 including a second electrodemember located downstream between said sleeve and the outlet part,the-"outlet part being conductive, the second electrode being locatedalong the axis of said body and being insulated therefrom thereby tofreely transmit ion-emission to said outlet by an induced 360 arcingbetween said sleeve and second electrode and said second electrode andsaid outlet part.

6. The apparatus according to claim I, and at least a constrictedorifice adjacent said inlet for the entry of ambient gas into said bodyin response to the movement of gas from said inlet to said outlet.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said electrodes are needlelike members, symmetrically formed with a taper at each end and agenerally circular cross section.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the ends of the electrodemembers are flattened into a plane substantially transverse to theirlongitudinal axis.

9. Apparatus for ionizing a gas stream comprising a body for passing agas in an axial direction from an inlet having a conductive part to anoutlet, means having a conductive element for constricting the passageof the gas along said axis within said body, lectrode means between saidinlet part and said conductive .element for creating 360 ion coronafields therebetween and substantially within the area of constriction,said corona field between said electrode and part and elementsubstantially saturating said area and charging a gas passing from saidinlet to said outlet with a composition of positive and negative ions.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said electrode is aneedle like member, symmetrically formed to a dimension at its' oppositeends narrower than at its center, and said ends each extends intooverlying relation with said conductive part and element respectively.

1. Apparatus for the ionization of a gas stream comprising an elongatedhollow body having a conductive inlet part at one end and an outlet partat the other end along a common longitudinal axis, a wall in said bodylocated downstream of said inlet part and upstream of said outlet, saidwall having a conductive sleeve defining a central opening therein, afirst elongated electrode member supported along the common longitudinalaxis and spaced between said inlet part and said wall sleeve, means forconnecting said electrode and the sleeve to a source of voltage tothereby induce electrical 360* arcing between said electrode and inletpart and said electrode and said sleeve to produce corona fields of ionparticles therebetween, and said inlet being adapted for connection to asource of gas under pressure whereby said gas may be caused to flow fromsaid inlet to said outlet through said fields of ion particles becomingcharged thereby with a balanced composition of positive and negativeions.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said body iscylindrical and said parts, wall and electrode are coaxially locatedtherein.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrodeextends within the interior of said inlet and said conductive sleeve. 4.The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the wall opening is ofsubstantially smaller diameter than the diameter of the body to therebyconstrict the passage therethrough.
 5. The apparatus according to claim4 including a second electrode member located downstream between saidsleeve and the outlet part, the outlet part being conductive, the secondelectrode being located along the axis of said body and being insulatedtherefrom thereby to freely transmit ion-emission to said outlet by aninduced 360* arcing between said sleeve and second electrode and saidsecond electrode and said outlet part.
 6. The apparatus according toclaim 1, and at least a constricted orifice adjacent said inlet for theentry of ambient gas into said body in response to the movement of gasfrom said inlet to said outlet.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 5wherein said electrodes are needle like members, symmetrically formedwith a taper at each end and a generally circular cross section.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 7 wherein the ends of the electrode membersare flattened into a plane substantially transverse to theirlongitudinal axis.
 9. Apparatus for ionizing a gas stream comprising abody for passing a gas in an axial direction from an inlet having aconductive part to an outlet, means having a conductive element forconstricting the passage of the gas along said axis within said body,electrode means between said inlet part and said conductive element forcreating 360* ion corona fields therebetween and substantially withinthe area of constriction, said corona field between said electrode andpart and element substantially saturating said area and charging a gaspassing from said inlet to said outlet with a composition of positiveand negative ions.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein saidelectrode is a needle like member, symmetrically formed to a dimensionat its opposite ends narrower than at its center, and said ends eachextends into overlying relation with said conductive part and elementrespectively.